TIFF and PNG explained
TIFF is a flexible container used in print, publishing and archiving. It can hold multiple pages, layers, and a variety of compression schemes including none at all, which is why TIFF files vary enormously in size.
PNG is a lossless raster format built to replace GIF. It stores every pixel exactly as given and supports a full 8-bit alpha channel, which means genuine partial transparency rather than the single transparent colour GIF offers.
- Where TIFF files come from
- Scanners, professional photography workflows, and print production.
- Where PNG is used
- Screenshots, exported logos and UI assets, and anything designed rather than photographed.